Are you planning to use solar radiation as a source of heat? If so, you will enjoy several benefits at once. Solar energy does not burden the environment and makes a significant contribution to cutting the cost of heating water or heating rooms. It is also available practically without limit. So do not be afraid to combine your heating system with solar panels and secure hot water and heating even during the winter months.
How solar heating works
Solar collectors absorb solar radiation and use it to heat a special heat-transfer fluid. The heated fluid is then pumped to the heat exchanger of the solar cylinder, where the heat is transferred to the solar hot water storage cylinder. You can also use the fluid heated by the collectors to support your heating. If, at a given time of year, there is not enough sunshine to heat the water, your existing heating system tops its temperature up to the desired level.
Another important part of the whole process is the solar pipework. It carries water from the cylinder to the solar panels and connects the solar collectors to the hot water cylinder. Copper and steel pipes are commonly available, while the most frequently used are pipes made of flexible stainless steel. A deformation screw is used to shape them.
The deformation screw and its many uses
Besides shaping stainless steel solar pipes, the deformation screw is also used to finish pipe ends and when fitting a nut onto the pipes. It is included in the pack of twin solar pipe. An additional deformation screw set will therefore serve you as a spare part, and also when you need to finish another end of the twin solar pipe. If you have a solar set with a capacity of up to 300 litres and no more than three collectors, the right choice for you is solar pipe and a deformation screw of type DN16. If you have a larger cylinder or at least four collectors, choose type DN20.
Fitting the nut onto the pipe with the help of the deformation screw
Slide the nut onto the pipe and place the split rings in the first groove of the pipe. Then pull the nut over them. Insert the deformation screw into the nut and tighten it fully using open-ended spanners, sizes 27 and 30. To make the material easier to handle, you can also use pliers. In the final step, undo the nut. This procedure forms a collar on the pipe, behind which the nut can then be held. Do not forget to place a seal inside it. You can also watch how to fit the nut onto the pipe correctly in our demonstration video.
The deformation screw is supplied as standard in the pack of twin solar pipe. Various sizes are available, depending on the size of your solar system. It does no harm, however, to keep one in reserve and to order at least two at a time. That way, losing one of them will not catch you out. Do not hesitate to consult our experts, who are waiting for your questions at info@atria.sk.